Dover mayor gets emotional at Veterans Day tribute

DOVER — City Hall auditorium was filled with members of the community who took time Monday morning to remember and honor veterans, both locally and throughout the nation.

“This day is to pay tribute to those who did so much for America and for you and for I,” master of ceremonies and retired Army veteran Jim Parcell told the audience.

Mayor Dean Trefethen, before choking back words of his speech, said it was an honor and privilege to speak on behalf of the City Council as well as the City of Dover at Monday's event.

“For all of you veterans in the audience today, and I know that is many of you, we thank you for your service.”

Honoring family members who served in the military, including a brother-in-law who recently died, Trefethen noted society probably doesn't do enough to honor veterans on a regular basis, but the presence of the community on Monday morning was a special thing.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. John Genta, who was recognized during the ceremony by Parcell for his service, spoke before the crowd gathered in the City Hall auditorium and told them he was “honored to share this day with you.”

Genta said the camaraderie and fellowship found in the military is unmatched and unlike anything else.

Acknowledging the recent anniversary of 9/11, Genta said Americans' faith in its soldiers, airmen, seamen, Marines and Coast Guard personnel is invigorated and renewed.

Recalling stories of his namesake and grandfather, also a lieutenant commander in the Navy, Genta said he was proud to carry on the legacy. He encouraged veterans to continue sharing stories and asked those not in the armed forces to continue listening to them.

He named the charisma, character and service of veterans as being the qualities which inspired him to enlist.

“We salute you now for this selfless service. It is this devotion to duty that gives us strength,” Genta said.

A number of local veterans were honored through Parcell's ceremony, who shared a story of their times in combat and their survival.

With the sounds of the Dover High School Marching Band, led by director Michelle Boulanger, the audience rose to its feet singing “God Bless America” before bowing their heads for the playing of taps.

A blessing was read by Lt. Philip Stevens; a wreath created by a worker at Riverside Rest Home was placed at an outdoor monument near City Hall; and American Legion Post 8 of Dover performed the massing of the colors. Members of the Naval Junior ROTC attended and participated as well.

Genta, the keynote speaker of the event, reminded attendees to keep a sense of gratitude for the men and women in uniform who, he said, underwrote the country's freedom for the last 236 years.